i was walking up the street and i actually heard the words come out of my own mouth- to myself- "Carrie, you are so much stronger than this." lol. i was immediately reminded that sometimes, we HAVE to encourage ourselves, grab ourselves by the collar, shake our own shoulders a little...and remind ourselves that we are so blessed. so very, very blessed.

i am going through a deep valley. my dearest friend said today, "it has been winter for a long time." it has. it has been a dry, cold season for a while now. (i thank God that seasons change!) when i look back at where i have come from- i cannot help but lift up my head. i have had darker times- i have made it so far. and i'm stronger than yesterday. so much stronger- and now, i am reminding myself of the incredible distance i have come- the unbelievable obstacles that i have overcome. the trials that would have crumbled many- i have come through them. i have made it through some dark, dark days- and i am still standing with beauty and grace and strength and still more to give to others.

i am blessed. i have been so blessed. i am thankful. i am truly thankful. and in my weakness today, i am reminded that i am strong. i am strong because, regardless of my circumstances, in my weakness- He is made strong. my season will change. i am confident of this. i am holding on to the fact that no season lasts forever. no valley goes without an end. and i am reminding myself that my strength is so much greater than my struggle.